Root Canals

Beachwood, OH

A root canal is a common dental procedure that can relieve pain, prevent tooth loss, and protect your mouth from further infection and other oral health conditions. The experts at Aspire Dental Spa often perform root canals for those who need them. These procedures are not considered major dental surgery, and we do them regularly right here in our office.

What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure done to stop a damaged tooth from being further damaged and to save it. This endodontic procedure allows us to actually remove the pulp of the tooth. This pulp runs from the root of the tooth that is deep in the gums up to the top. It is a soft tissue that is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and other soft parts of the tooth. While new teeth rely on the pulp for nutrients, the pulp becomes unnecessary once the tooth has fully grown in. Older teens and adults can typically have root canals without any concerns about stunting the tooth’s growth.

Why Are Root Canals Needed?

Unfortunately, while the pulp is not necessary in a mature tooth, it can cause a number of problems if it becomes infected. As bacteria eats away at the pulp, it creates an empty space in the tooth. This abscess becomes a breeding ground for more bacteria and provides easy entry to the gums. From there, bacteria can get into your bloodstream and cause a number of very serious health conditions. If we do not deal with the infected pulp and seal up the abscess within the tooth, eventually the tooth will come loose and the infection is likely to spread, or it will need to be extracted.

What Happens During A Root Canal?

When you come in for a root canal, everything will be done right here in our office. We start out by numbing the area around the tooth so you do not feel any pain. We will then drill a hole into the tooth and use special tools to remove however much of the pulp is left. After removing the pulp, we thoroughly clean out the inside of the tooth. We may need to smooth out some parts of the interior or otherwise prepare the tooth for being filled. Once this is done, we inject the tooth with a special filling material that completely seals it.

Once we have finished filling the tooth, we will need to place a crown on it. Since crowns do need to be custom-made for this specific tooth, we may not be able to place the permanent crown at the same appointment. However, we will put a temporary crown on the tooth so you can talk and eat normally while we wait for the crown to be manufactured. We will have you make a second appointment to come in for the permanent crown.

Who Needs To Get A Root Canal?

Often, our patients who are in need of root canals are also in pain. If you find that your tooth hurts when biting or that you have developed a sensitivity to heat or cold in a tooth, you may need a root canal. Contact Aspire Dental Spa by phone at (216) 342-4388 to make an appointment.